Welcome to
West Portal
The West Portal neighborhood is a charming residential area located in the western part of San Francisco. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, convenient public transportation access, and comfortable suburban feeling. One of the neighborhood's main attractions is its vibrant commercial district, which features a diverse selection of restaurants, shops, and services. The West Portal shopping and residential district takes its name from the Twin Peaks Tunnel, which ushered in streetcar service to the southeast corner of San Francisco in 1918. MUNI streetcar service opened San Francisco's last great wilderness to residential development. Formerly sand dunes and vegetable farms, today, West Portal is the area bounded by Portola, Kensington, Taraval, and 15th Avenue. High-quality homes on detached lots led to rapid growth in the 1920s and set the stage for West Portal to become the commercial and transportation hub for the West of Twin Peaks area.
Residential, urban amenities, convenient
At A Glance
THE NEIGHBORS
Family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to public transit makes the area popular with commuters.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Great balance of urban convenience and suburban tranquility, making it a desirable neighborhood for families, retirees and professionals alike.
THE LIFESTYLE
West Portal is a peaceful, family-oriented neighborhood that offers a small-town feel in the midst of a big city.
UNEXPECTED APPEAL
Proximity to several parks plus access to public transportation.
NEIGHBORHOOD AESTHETIC
A range of single-family homes, many built in the 1920’s.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
West Portal also has a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a weekly farmers' market, providing residents with easy access to fresh, locally sourced food.
Located In West Portal
Nearby Neighborhoods
Saint Francis Wood, Inner Parkside, Forest Hill, Golden Gate Heights, Sherwood Forest, Lakeside, Merced Manor
East to West Boundaries
19th Ave. to the east, Portola Dr. to the west
North to South Boundaries
Taraval St. to the north, Sloat Blvd. to the south
Commute Times
- Financial District via auto: 35 minutes
- Financial District via transit: 20 minutes
- South San Francisco via auto: 30 minutes
- Silicon Valley via auto: 65 minutes
AROUND THE BLOCK
West Portal is known for its tight-knit community and strong sense of neighborhood pride. Residents are active in local community organizations and participate in events and activities throughout the year, such as the annual West Portal Sidewalk Art Stroll and the West Portal Halloween Festival.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The commercial center has a bit of everything - while there are some bigger chain stores most are independently owned. That means the neighborhood has a real personality, and it helps support small business owners in the area. And let's not forget the awesome old buildings! Many have been around since the early 1900s and have been refurbished; they give the kind of vintage vibe you won't find everywhere.
THE LIFESTYLE
West Portal neighborhood is its unique blend of urban and suburban characteristics. While it is located in the heart of San Francisco, the neighborhood has a distinct small-town feel that is rare for an area of its size.
UNEXPECTED APPEAL
There is access to several parks in the area, including the large Stern Grove Park which hosts free concerts and festivals throughout the year, but perhaps the major attraction of West Portal is its close proximity to public transportation. The West Portal Muni station provides access to both underground and surface level trains, making it easy to quickly travel to other parts of the city. There are also several bus lines that serve the area, providing additional transportation options.
NEIGHBORHOOD AESTHETIC
A unique architectural flair in its vintage single-family homes. The area is cozy, quiet, and largely residential, with a wide variety of 1920s-era homes, from Colonial Revival to Marina-style.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
With this urban village full of hidden gems.
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